6-month photos of Samantha

Samantha is now 6-months old.  She is still at the 3% percentile for weight.  She has become very interested in solid foods.  She loves carrots, squash, and prunes.  I'm working on the peas.  She doesn't like those as well as the orange foods.  She is happy, healthy, and lots of fun.

Minnesota Vikings X-Mas gift---- Go Colts!!!

For those of you who regularly follow my blog here is a picture of the Minnesota Vikings sweatshirt Joseph's dad bought him for X-mas about 25 years ago.  If you remember correctly, this was Joseph's worst X-mas gift EVER.  Who knew it would ever come to use?  Joseph and I cheered on Bret Favre this past weekend in the Vikings' game against the Saints.  "Bret, how could you throw an interception with 7 seconds left on the clock?"  Isn't this shirt the ugliest thing you've ever seen?  We will be screaming for the Colts on Superbowl night.  Go Peyton!

Long Island, NY

Alexa (niece) and me waiting for her match to start

Sam flying US Airways.

Guthrie (cousin), Sam, Jenny (Guthrie's wife)

Sam, Joseph, and I had a great trip to Long Island/NYC.  We got to watch lots of tennis, hang out with the kids, see my cousin's 450 square foot apartment in NYC and take Samantha to the Metropolitan Museum of Art.  Alexa (niece) and Ryan (nephew) played in different tennis tournaments at different clubs.  I cheered for Alexa during her matches while Joseph cheered for Ryan at his matches.  Their tennis skills continue to amaze me.  Alexa lost in the finals of the 10- and-under draw (she's only 8).  Ryan and his doubles partner lost in the 2nd round of the 12's (they are both 10-yrs-old). 

Joseph and I just about fainted when we saw my cousin's and his wife's apartment.  It was sooooo small, but very, very cute.  It made me want to liquidate almost all my possessions.  We had our first "accident" in a restaurant with Samantha.  She grabbed my drink at the table and dumped it all over the place.  Luckily, none of us were too soaked.  Guthrie was a champ.  He figured out how to collapse and open up the borrowed stroller we lugged around the city with us.  After spending the day with him I absolutely feel he is ready for fatherhood whenever that day comes.  Thanks Guthrie for getting us on the 6:07 train.  You're the best!

Sam and her toys

Sam can sit up on her own now.  She is still a bit wobbly, but she loves to sit up and play with her toys.  Here is a video of her recorded a few days ago.

Ugly Christmas Present Contest

"Jimmie"    Art in Motion

It's official.  I have now won my 2nd contest against Joseph.  I've crushed him time and time again at pink-pong and now the verdict is in.  I beat him in our 1st ever Ugly Christmas Present Contest. The first Christmas I spent with Joseph's family I received a gift called, Art in Motion.  It was some moving picture of a dolphin jumping through the water.  One is supposed to hang it up somewhere, plug the gadget into an outlet, and turn it on.  My Art in Motion never made it to the wall, but it did make it to the closet of a spare bedroom.  I actually got it out to entertain Samantha recently.  As Joseph and I prepared for Christmas and eventually exchanged gifts we discussed past Christmas presents, including "Jimmie", the Art in Motion piece I received several years ago. Growing up Joseph and I both received ugly X-mas presents worth mentioning.  In his pre-teen years Joseph received a purple Minnesota Vikings sweatshirt.  Ironically, Bret Favre, now plays for the Vikings so Joseph's a fan, but way back when, Joseph had no connection to the Vikings.   Joseph still has that sweatshirt and I decided to wear it on a run the other night.  I beat out Joseph for the Ugly X-mas Present Title with an ornamental bird I received from my dad when I was 18.  Never did I mention or demonstrate a liking for birds, let alone ugly ornamental birds supposedly used as Christmas decorations. What 18-yr-old wants an ornamental bird???? Not sure if my dad remembers getting this for me.  If not, maybe these photos will trigger his memory!.... Watch below for video of"Jimmie".

The New Year

As the new year begins Sam's hair keeps growing and her teeth keep coming in.  This photo was taken today.  It's one of my favorites.  Joseph's co-worker, Georgia, got this sweater and pants (not visible) for Samantha.  The outfit is adorable.

Lost New York pictures

Sam, Uncle Chip, me when Sam was 2 1/2 months.


This photo was taken by my Aunt Debbie while we were in NY in September.